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November 2017

NOVEMBER 2017

CapitalBOND

PHASE 2: $120 MILLION

In October, the Wenatchee School Board passed a resolution to run a Construction Bond to modernize Wenatchee High School. Citizens will vote on the bond in the April 24, 2018 election. The bond will add a new 3-story section to the existing high school, and modernize existing facilities and infrastructure. Many scenarios were considered to solve the issue of the aging high school (originally built in 1972) by a Citizens’ Phase 2 Facility Planning Committee formed in 2015 and made up of community volunteers, school district staff, administrators and architects to address facilities needs. “We thoroughly looked at all of the different options,” said committee member John McQuaig, “including the post office building, a second new high school at Pioneer,

a ninth grade campus at Pioneer and then building a new middle school to replace Pioneer. We were talking about a second high school.” The committee concluded that Wenatchee’s tax base wasn’t enough to support a new high school. Even with a new high school, the existing WHS would still need to be modernized, and the total cost of both projects was not affordable. After seven months of research and study, the Committee recommended that Wenatchee High School be extensively remodeled, including demolition of old, small, windowless classrooms and replacement of an outdated infrastructure, including

electrical, HVAC, technology and telephone systems. Architects developed a concept, which included replacing old classrooms with a new 2-story addition over three years. Wenatchee School District surveyed the community about the recommendation, through an online conversation and phone surveys. “The community provided us with feedback,” says Superintendent Brian Flones. “They were concerned about the placement of students in portables during a threeyear construction process. Based on the feedback we received, the facilities committee changed our plan at the high school and moved the construction of

a new wing to a different location so that students can stay in the existing building during construction. We saved six million dollars in construction costs and put it back into the building to expand space for classrooms and programs.” The final plan includes building a threestory classroom wing behind the gym and remodeling the existing facilities. A new kitchen and commons area, new music classrooms, and a new library are included, along with windows in as many classrooms as possible. Athletic updates that will be considered include renovation of the track with new bleachers, restrooms and concession stand; addressing the need for softball fields and tennis courts, and providing for additional girls locker room space.

The Bond Phase 2 addresses an aging and overcrowded Wenatchee High School The Phase 2 bond proposal is for $120 million. The total project cost is estimated at $154 million, with a state match of $31 million and $3 million in carryover funds from the Phase 1 bond that funded a new Washington Elementary, a modernization and addition at Lincoln Elementary School and some modernization at Pioneer Middle School. That $66.5 million bond was approved in 2014.

Conceptual Drawing of New Classrooms Looking North

Timeline History of WHS Construction

The high school bond proposal increases the building size from 285,419 square feet to 343,182 square feet, with 150,365 square feet of new construction and 192,817 square feet of modernized space. This will increase new instruction space by 57,763 square feet. The new WHS is designed to house 1,900 students. Currently 1,950 students are enrolled at WHS. That number includes Running Start and Wenatchee Valley Technical Skills Center students, who are not on campus, reducing population to about 1800 students physically on campus at the same time.

(Continued on P2)

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Superintendent’s Message Back Cover

Magnus Teacher of Year Finalist P6

Mariachi Goes to Capitol P7

Inside This Issue

Focus on Columbia Elementary P2

Grad Rates on the Rise P8

And so much more...!



Page 2

November 2017

(Continued from cover)

The

at WHS

„„ Overcrowding: School built for 1600, currently houses just over 1,900 students, with a total enrollment just over 1,900.

„„ End of useful life for infrastructure: electrical systems, alarm systems, phone systems, technology systems, security systems, and HVAC. „„ Classroom Size: 750 sq. ft. while modern classrooms recommended at 900 sq. ft. for collaborative and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) learning. „„ Classroom Acoustics: WHS originally built as open concept with no walls between rooms. Dividers and retro-fitted walls don’t block sound. „„ Kitchen: Kitchen equipment is 43-years-old. Kitchen space is too small. Plumbing leaks. „„

Athletic facilities adjacent to high school: track and tennis court condition (tennis courts are condemned), lack of restrooms and concession facilities, need for additional girls locker room space, old cement track bleachers need replacing, lighting is failing, a need for softball fields and minor improvements to the baseball field.

Construction Effect on Students Students and staff will remain in existing classrooms throughout construction of the new wing.

Estimated Available Funding Total: $154 million

The „„

for WHS

Add a new, three-story addition of 150,365 square feet on the south end of the building and demolish old classrooms on east wing. This will provide an increase in new instruction space by 57,763 square feet.

„„ Remodel existing building areas with varying degrees of modernization, according to need. „„ Windows for as many classrooms as possible. „„ New kitchen and cafeteria on east side of building. „„ Additional music room and a green room (for performing arts, the green room is a waiting space/dressing room for performers) located on the north end of the auditorium. „„ Renovate outdoor athletic fields and add girls locker room space.

We thoroughly looked at all of the different options, including the post office building, a second new high school at Pioneer, a ninth grade campus at Pioneer and then building a new middle school to replace Pioneer. We were talking about a second high school, or third if you look at WestSide. We’re limited by our budget because of the bonding capacity of the district. We couldn’t float a 230 million dollar solution to this situation. It’s not even in the cards. Regardless of what you looked at, you had to remodel Wenatchee High School. For educational reasons, for cost reasons, all across the board it made the most sense. It was really quite obvious. At the end there was a unanimous decision. — John McQuaig, member of the Citizens’ Phase 2 Facility Planning Committee

Bond & Q. Why not a new high school—were other options considered? A. A number of other scenarios were considered, including: zz Build a second comprehensive high school and modernize WHS zz Convert Foothills Middle School into a smaller 9-12 school for about 600 students, which would require building a new middle school. zz Build a STEAM academy for 600 students. zz Acquire the Public Utility District building on Wenatchee Avenue, as they move out. zz Reconfigure grades to 8-9 junior high, 10-12 high school, and build a new junior high for 1200 students. zz Acquire the Wenatchee Federal Building for a secondary high school campus. The citizens committee concluded that all options would have significant costs which divert too much of the available funds away from the modernization of WHS.

Estimated 2019 Total Tax Rate Increase Q. How will passing the construction bond change my taxes? A. The Bond will create a $1.17 increase over 2017 tax rate per $1,000 assessed value. Assessed Value of Property

Monthly Property Tax Increase for Bond

Annual Property Tax Increase for Bond

$350,000

$34.13

$409.50

$300,000

$29.25

$351.00

$250,000

$24.38

$292.50

$200,000

$19.50

$234.00

Q. How many students will the modernized WHS hold, and will it be large enough for the future? The modernized high school will house 1,900 students. A. Just over 1,900 students are enrolled at WHS. Running Start and Wenatchee Valley Technical Skills Center students are not on campus, reducing population to about 1800 students physically on campus at the same time.

Citizens’ Phase 2 Facility Planning Committee Members COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES Kathleen Allen Brigid Chvilicek Joy McCallum-Clark Larry Cordes Julian Garcia Clark Hansen John McQuaig Oscar Mendoza Jennifer Silverman-Newman Abby Phipps Tyler Russell Russ Speidel Brian Vertrees Matt Wisen Rick Wray Kara Zupke

DISTRICT SUPPORT STAFF Jon DeJong Brian Flones Gregg Herkenrath Traci Thompson Les Vandervort ADMINISTRATOR REPRESENTATIVES Eric Anderson Jim Beeson Rob Cline Dennis Conger Trisha Craig Pete Jelsing Kory Kalahar Kevin Loomis Dave Perkins

SECONDARY SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVES Chris Ferrians Jim Kovach Graham Stansbery Bob Swardz WenEA Kris Cameron CONSULTANTS Tom Bassett Michael Casey Brian Fitzgerald David Zeitlin SCHOOL BOARD REPRESENTATIVES Walter Newman Robert Sealby

WENATCHEE LEARNS

Strategy Three: Use the best tools & resources to advance learning Objective 3.4: Facilities that optimize learning

Thank you to the members of the Citizen Phase 2 Facility Planning Committee. Given the task of studying the district’s schools and other facilities, this 33 member committee was made up of 14 community members, 2 high school students, 2 School Board Members, 4 school representatives, 1 Wenatchee Education Association (WenEA) member, and 10 program/school administrators. The Committee’s work was facilitated by five senior administrative staff and four consultants. The methodology included a series of consultant presentations, facility tours, in depth discussions and brainstorming sessions which ultimately lead to a consensus, and resulted in the recommendation to modernize and add to the existing Wenatchee High School.



Page 3

FOCUS ON

Columbia Elementary School

STUDENT POPULATION: 428 Students, 40 certificated staff including classroom teachers, Art, PE, Library, Music & Intervention Specialists, Principal, Ass’t Principal, Counselor—61 total staff members with certs, classified and itinerant staff.

MASCOT: The Columbia Cougar was chosen as the school mascot about 25 years ago. Principal Rom Castilleja thought it would be a fun to have a kid friendly school mascot. The student body voted on both mascot and school colors and the winning results were purple, gold & white for the school colors, and a kid friendly cougar for the Columbia Elementary mascot. With “Husky” colors and a “Cougar” mascot we hoped everyone in the state would be represented and happy!

SCHOOL CULTURE: The school culture of Columbia is very warm. Teachers here are known for working hard to meet students’ needs by building lasting relationships. Former students come back to Columbia for years to visit teachers all the way up to graduation and beyond. We have many teachers that have been a part of this learning community for decades. Many are now serving the children of former students. Here at Columbia we continually strive to meet our mission statement of “Learning, Growing, Caring, Sharing”.

WHAT MAKES COLUMBIA UNIQUE IN THE DISTRICT? Columbia is the only walking school in the district. This makes us unique in that we are truly a hub of our neighborhood. When we

November 2017

Date founded: 1923

Principal Si Stuber Assistant Principal Janell Royster Office Manager Donna Young

have family nights at the building, we have an excellent turnout. It is fun to see families getting to walk to school together to attend an evening event.

WHAT ARE COLUMBIA TRADITIONS AND CELEBRATIONS? Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration, Winter Jubilee, Running Club with Mrs. Flitton, PomPom Team with Mrs. Young, and after school programs with Mr. Pritchard, Strings with Mrs. Lopushinsky. Our PTO was just reborn 3 years ago. It has made a tremendous impact on the learning of our students in a short period of time. Last year, each classroom received an additional $200 to spend on learning, thanks to our PTO, along with funds to purchase STEMfocused tools for the classrooms. A 3-D printer was purchased that is housed in the library. We will continue to host several family and learning nights throughout the year, with highlight being our Winter Jubilee in January. Please come join us.

PBIS (POSITIVE BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTION AND SUPPORTS): At Columbia we focus on positively reinforcing desired behaviors. We have developed and taught expectations to all students and hold student accountable for their actions. Columbia students are awarded Cougar Cash for following our school expectations that they can then spend at our school store or on a monthly reward. Our goal is for students to consistently be hearing positive talk from staff around the school where we are building a culture of universal achievement.

Teacher Librarian Patty Cone found a fun way to get kids to return library books at the end of the school year. She roped principal Si Stuber into promising to shave off half his beard if the kids returned more than 90% of the 16,572 books that were checked out during the school year. More than 96% of library books were returned, and Principal Stuber got shaved at an assembly in front of all the students. The kids thought it was great fun. Principal Stuber finished the event by challenging students to read every day over the summer. The poster is reminiscent of Si’s Wyoming forefathers— real riding, roping cowboys.

WENATCHEE LEARNS

Strategy One: Design the personalized learning of the future Objective 1.4: Positive and safe learning environment Strategy 3: Use the best tools and resources to advance learning Objective 3.4: Facilities that optimize learning

Meet Columbia Principal Si Stuber

Sheriff Brian Burnett put on his Dr. Seuss hat and read to Lynette Smith’s 1st Grade. Guest readers from the community come in every year to read to kids on Dr. Seuss’s birthday.

Q&A with Fun Facts about Si: Born on Mexico’s Fourth of July, El Dia de la Independencia. Q. Si is an unusual name. Is it short for something else? A. No, it’s just Si, but I am named after my great-grandfather on my mother's side—Silas Brooks. He was a cattle rancher in Casper, Wyoming. His father, Bryant Brooks, was the seventh governor of the state of Wyoming. They were real riding, roping cowboys. Q. What made you want to be principal of Columbia? A. Columbia is a great fit for my educational background. I love the neighborhood and the community. I am excited for what the future holds for our little school.

Q. What have you found about Columbia that is outstanding? A. Too many to list. I will give you a few; students, parents, staff members, grounds, culture, support. I could go on. This is an outstanding place to learn and grow, and I am excited for where we are going. Q. What are your goals as principal? A. I would like to see Columbia be a leader in this valley on how to reach and educate students from diverse backgrounds. I would like to build a system of educational success that becomes a standard. I would like to get families more involved in what we do here at school. Q. Tell us something about you that know one knows. A. I have a small birthmark on my wrist that is shaped like the island of Maui. Q. Tell us something quirky about you. A. I drive a car nicknamed “the mouse mobile.” Principal Si Stuber and Vice Principal Janell Royster



Page 4

November 2017

Terri Goveia and Kathryn Anderson Named GLAD® Team of the Year Terri Goveia and Kathryn Anderson were named National GLAD® Team of the Year for 2017. The award was announced at the OCDE (Orange County Department of Education) Project GLAD® 25th Annual Conference in Irvine, California October 11-13. This is the third consecutive year that Wenatchee School District has won a national GLAD® award. Jodi SmithPayne, Assistant Superintendent, was named Administrator of the Year for 2016, and Cynthia Valdez, Assistant Director of Special Services, was named Trainer of the Year for GLAD® in 2015. Goveia and Anderson are teachers who became certified GLAD® (Guided Language Acquisition Design) trainers. There are 1,800 GLAD® trainers nationwide. Dennis Cole (Director of Humanities at Orange County Department of Education), Terri Goveia, Kathryn Anderson and Cynthia Valdez at the Orange County Department of Education Project GLAD® 25th Annual Conference in Irvine, California where Terri and Kathryn were named the GLAD Team of the Year.

“It was amazing,” said Goveia of winning the award. “The best thing about being at a national conference with GLAD Trainers, is you realize you're part of an organization that has such high standards, and cares so deeply for the students that they serve. Just to be amongst that group is pretty inspiring and is enough, but then to be recognized by them was unbelievable.” “GLAD® is brain research-based strategies that help all kids to learn,” explains Valdez, “and especially those students who have low levels of

language, whether they're a second language learner, or a child who comes from adverse childhood experiences.” GLAD® strategies give kids universal access to high-level rigorous curriculum. "Terri and Kathy are able to not only bring their expertise to teachers, but share it in a way that people want to work with them," says Valdez. "[Teachers] invite them into their classrooms, they're eager to have them come.”

The best thing... is you realize you're part of an organization that has such HIGH STANDARDS, and cares so deeply for the students that they serve. GLAD® isn’t just a stand-alone program, says Valdez, but supports other initiatives within the district, including PBIS (Positive Behaviors Intervention System), and PLC’s (Professional Learning Communities). Cynthia Valdez is the lead with trainers Kathryn Anderson, and Terri Goveia. They became certified as K-12 trainers in December 2014.

WENATCHEE LEARNS

Strategy One: Design the personalized learning of the future Objective 1.2: Students exploring career path, college and career readiness

Senior Chris Danko has been named a 2018 National Merit Scholarship semifinalist. Chris is one of only two students in Central Washington to achieve the semifinalist designation. Each of the 16,000 semifinalists chosen across the nation is an academically talented high school senior who now has an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million that will be offered next spring. Chris’s activities at Wenatchee High include Apple Leaf, Mock Trial, Debate, DECA, Knowledge Bowl and Model UN. We asked Chris some questions about his extraordinary achievement. Here’s what he had to say. Q. What does it mean to you to be named a National Merit Scholar semifinalist? Chris: Being named a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist is an incredible honor to me. A lot of hard work and preparation went into my final PSAT score that qualified me for the program, and I feel very fortunate to have been given the right test on the right day to demonstrate that. Q. To what do you attribute your success? Chris: I have been blessed with two parents that emphasized the importance of reading when I was a child, and they instilled a passion for literature in me that persists to this day. Without everything I have read, I would be a much less critical thinker. They continue to challenge me to think critically today. In addition, I have had teachers who have pushed me to grow over the years in all grades, and I certainly would not be the same person I am today without them. Q. What high school experiences/classes/ teachers have had the most meaning for you? Chris: I was very lucky to have found a place for myself on the Apple Leaf early on. Writing for the newspaper cultivated my love for writing, and gave me a foothold in an imposing environment. I developed some of my deepest friendships through Apple Leaf, and grew personally, mostly thanks to the efforts of Dave Riggs.

Named as National Merit Scholar Semifinalist Brandon Harle's APUSH class is another experience that has certainly defined me. Having a personal passion for history, the class meant a great deal more to me than just a class. Not only did I learn a lot of material, but Mr. Harle changed the way I think about history. In APUSH and other AP classes, I picked up time management skills that benefit me to this day as well. Mr. [Chris] Cloke's AP Language class did much to develop my personal philosophies and make me a more complete person. Through the insightful texts he provided us with, like The Allegory of the Cave and The Grapes of Wrath, the class was full of universal knowledge that applied to almost every aspect of our lives, not just reading and writing. Then there are some teachers like Mrs. [Michele] Smith, who, although I did not have

any classes with her, was happy to get to know me and encourage my passion for writing. Mrs. [Mary] Symonds also found time to be a positive influence on my writing and on my life in general, despite not taking her class until this year. A collection of other Wenatchee School District teachers from Sunnyslope Elementary School and Foothills Middle School prepared me for the rigor of high school, and I look back on those years with fondness and gratitude. Q. What are your post-high school plans? Chris: After high school, I plan to attend a fouryear university that has not been determined yet to study Public Policy as my pre-law degree. Q. Any final thoughts? Chris: I would just like to recognize Wenatchee High School for creating an academic environment that provides challenge and growth through classes and other students.



8th grader and veteran Robotics Club member Sam Hilderbrand helps newbies Miranda Nayak and Matthew Drolet, 7th graders, learn to drive a robot.

Page 5 The room buzzed with excitement as over 50 middle school students streamed into Foothill’s tech lab for the first meeting of the VEX Robotics Club on October 3rd. It’s the beginning of Robotics season, and nearly 100 Foothills students are interested in joining the club this year. “As we begin our third year, we’ve seen a huge, 200% growth in interest in the program,” says program coordinator and teacher Aaron Hansen, who co-coaches with Brigitte Wiegand. “We’re excited for a new season to get underway.” Part of the uptick in numbers includes a surge in girls. “We had four females on our teams for the past two years,” says Hansen. “Thanks to an awesome collaborative effort among our Math, Science and Technology teachers, this year we have 36 girls planning on participating. Super cool.” Girls may also have been inspired by the success of an all-girl robotics team from Foothills. The team—Regan Tumilson, Caitlyn Drolet, Willow Baker

VEX Robotics Season Kicks Off at Foothills

November 2017 and Chloe Wiegand—traveled to Louisville, Kentucky in April 2016 for the VEX World Robotics competition, joining about 5,000 students from 27 countries to compete in the elite world championship competition. Team member Chloe Weigand is coach Brigitte Wiegand’s daughter. “My daughter participated in VexIQ when she attended Foothills. I don't think she would have naturally sought out a field in STEM without having participated in this program,” says Weigand. “Her desire to become an engineer is a direct result of her participation.” Last year’s VEX Robotics program was funded by a grant that has gone away. The coaches are committed to keep the program going, and are working on a fundraising, sponsorship campaign with local business and community members. For more information contact Aaron Hansen or Brigitte Wiegand at (509) 664-8961 or email hansen.a@ wenatcheeschools.org or wiegand. [email protected].

WENATCHEE LEARNS

Strategy One: Design the personalized learning of the future Objective 1.3: STEAM/Project-based learning

Attorney Frank Brandt is also a business teacher at WestSide High School. Frank had taught business and marketing at Mount Rainier High School before going to law school. A Wenatchee High School graduate himself, he moved to Wenatchee to join his sister Tracy and brother Travis in their law firm. “I missed teaching,” he said. He took a part time job teaching business at WestSide, and kept practicing law. “After I got in the classroom, I really wanted to do that full-time.” Coaching mock trial allows Frank to have the best of both worlds— teaching while using his legal expertise. Wenatchee’s YMCA Mock Trial team came home as

Mock Trial class meets every morning at 7am. This year’s class is shown with coaches Judge Lesley Allan and Frank Brandt (coach Tracy Brandt not shown).

Mock Trial Team Wins Nationals

champions, after winning the national mock trial tournament, held in Chicago, August 1-4, 2017. The winning team included Vivian Noyd, Xavier Martinez, Sebastian Pasion and Maks Ballard of Wenatchee High School, joined by Charlotte Rogerson of Seattle’s Bush School. Vivian Noyd was also recognized as one of five top attorneys in the competition. Noyd had previously been recognized as outstanding attorney in the Washington State tournament for both 2016 and 2017. A second team from Wenatchee High School placed 14th with WHS team members Estela Navarro, Sophia Castillo, Colin Snyder, Abby Simmons and Cassie Noyd, along with Keith Heffernan of The River Academy. Chelan County Superior Court Judge Lesley Allan traveled with the team to Chicago. “These students are incredibly poised and capable and should make all of us in Washington proud,” said Judge Allan. “They have worked diligently for the last seven weeks to prepare for the tournament and, clearly, the hard work has paid off.”

WENATCHEE LEARNS

Strategy One: Design the personalized learning of the future Objective 1.2: Students exploring career path, college and career readiness

The Mock Trial program started in 2014 and is coached by attorney Frank Brandt, with help from his attorney-sister Tracy Brandt and Judge Allan. The mock trial allows students to participate in a true-to-life courtroom drama. High school teams of attorneys and witnesses prepare the case for trial and compete at district levels before real judges in actual

courtrooms. “A judge in Vancouver writes the cases,” says Frank Brandt. “They're about 70 pages long. We prepare an opening statement, we prepare any pre-trial motions and our directs and our crosses. We actually prepare both sides, and then we go and we compete against other teams. We present the case just like lawyers would.” "Juries" of attorneys rate the teams for their presentation, while the presiding judges rule on the motions, objections, and ultimately the merits. Participants develop critical thinking and analytical skills, learn the art of oral advocacy, and gain a respect for the role of law and the judiciary. “I've been in Mock Trial for four years,” says Sebastian Pasion, a member of the national award winning team. “I have an undying passion for Mock Trial. I got brought here my freshman year, kind of on accident, and then I fell in love with the club.” Xavier Martinez, another member of the winning team, is in his third year of Mock Trial. “I'm here because I love the people in it. I love the coaches. I love my teammates. I love everyone that we get to compete against,” he says. “It's an amazing opportunity for kids to learn about our legal system and how it works, to develop analytical skills, public speaking skills, and have a lot of fun,” says Judge Allan. “It's this wonderful opportunity for me to work with a lot of kids who are highly motivated, driven. I think the whole community should be really proud of these kids.”



Page 6 Students and teachers at Wenatchee High School dedicate hundreds of hours of volunteer service to the community and the world, and one great example is Interact Club. WHS French teacher Jon Magnus and Rotary Member Susan Albert founded Interact club at WHS—a youth version of Rotary Club—in 2006. Senior Fernando Lopez is current president of the club.

Interact Club Gives Back to Community and the World

As a French teacher, Jon says he connects his students to the world in the classroom using technology to explore world issues. They study current events in French newspapers, travel the streets of France with Google Earth, and listen to the latest French music on YouTube. “Students find this infinitely more interesting than reading a textbook,” says Jon. He also connects his students to the world through community service with Interact Club. Fernando Lopez was a student in Jon’s class who joined Interact and, after a while, “went

November 2017 headfirst into the club.” He decided to run for president. “I wanted to do things for the club that were meaningful,” says Fernando. The club’s accomplishments are impressive. They raised $5,000 for the computer needs of a non-sighted WHS student, $5,000 for a Heifer International Ark, $10,000 to bring a suicide-prevention program to Wenatchee, and $22,000 to build a women’s clinic in Gouana, Mali. Another major project they’ve taken on is a Habitat for Humanity home. “The club is doing some great things with Habitat for Humanity,” says Fernando, who says the club set a goal of raising $50,000, and raised $51,822.64. It’s no coincidence that Jon Magnus was recently named North Central

WENATCHEE LEARNS

Strategy One: Design the personalized learning of the future Objective 1.3: Project-based learning

ESD Regional Teacher of the Year, which put him in the running for Washington State teacher of the year. “I’m so excited to have this opportunity to represent teachers and students,” Jon says of the award. For Fernando, he says that along with helping others, his experience as president of Interact has helped him personally. “I've become a lot more outgoing because I have to talk in front of a group of 30, 40 kids every other Tuesday.” The experience also inspired Fernando to join other community service clubs at the high school, including Key Club and Random Acts of Kindness Club. “[These] clubs bring out that kindness and that generosity in people that everyone pretty much has.” We think Jon Magnus and Fernando Lopez make a great team, and the community is a better place thanks to their efforts.

Jon Magnus: Finalist for Washington Teacher of the Year Jon Magnus was one of nine teachers selected across the state to be considered for Washington State Teacher of the Year. The final honor went to Mandy Manning of Joel E. Ferris High School in Spokane. Jon said the process was affirming, and the opportunities to contribute will continue. “I feel like I can take the knowledge I’ve gained as a teacher over the last seventeen years, and have a voice at a different level,” Jon says. The finalists spent several days on the campus at Evergreen State College getting to know one another as they participated in the activities that would help judges choose one from among the nine. “The entire four day

WENATCHEE LEARNS

Strategy Four: Balance change for all with excellence for all Objective 4.4 Highly trained and engaged staff

experience was incredibly validating as a professional,” says Jon. “They told us on multiple occasions throughout the weekend that you are a special group of people. You are here for a reason, and you have the voice that we want to hear.” The award ceremony was held in Seattle on September 11, hosted by State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Chris Reykdal. The nine teachers are now a part of a group for life, with a body of work to do. They need to decide on a platform about education to carry forward. Jon says his platform will be to shift the narrative on public education and teachers. “People don’t understand what teaching is really all about,” says Jon. “You don’t just step into a classroom, snap your fingers, and do a fantastic class, and then you’re done for the day. You go home after school, you prep, you correct papers, you call parents, and all the other things that nobody sees. It’s about the art of teaching.” Along with being the NCESD 171 2018 Regional Teacher of the Year, Jon is a Washington State University Educator of Excellence. “The experience rejuvenated me,” Jon says. “I feel excited again to do even bigger and better things. I’m the eternal optimist. I really feel like we can make a difference.”



Page 7

November 2017

Mariachi Huenachi Performed in Nation’s Capital for Hispanic Heritage Month

“It was a once in a lifetime experience,” said Mariachi Huenachi Director Ramon Rivera. “There were so many memorable moments for our kids. For me, I got a shot in the arm of patriotism. For the kids, to understand what it is to be an American, because they’re also Latino, they’re Mexican Americans.” The students spent a whirlwind four days visiting over thirty sites including tours of the White House, Supreme Court, Arlington National Cemetery, the US Holocaust Museum, and memorials. For Senior Karina Pahua, the Library of Congress and the Holocaust Museum were standouts. “Going to the Library of Congress and seeing all the books from the 1700’s, they were beautiful.” Ramon Rivera and Mariachi Huenachi in Washington, DC where they performed. In attendance were Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and Representatives Steve Scalise, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Rick Larsen, Dan Newhouse and Dave Reichert, among many others.

“One thing that was touching for our students was to see the actual Constitution and the Bill of Rights,” said Rivera. “To see the actual piece of paper that all our founding fathers signed, and their actual signatures—all our kids were so engaged with that.” When the group visited the Air Force memorial two busloads of veterans arrived. “They were World War II, Korean and Vietnam War vets, and these were the people they had served with,” said Rivera. “The kids went up to them and said, Thank you for your service. These guys were touched. They took pictures together, and they had this bond between the youth and the veterans.”

Country Music Association (CMA) Foundation, who traveled to DC just to support Mariachi Huenachi. Rivera was named CMA Music Teacher of Excellence in April 2017. Mike Blakeslee, NAfME (National Association for Music Education) Executive Director and CEO, delivered his remarks both in Spanish and English. The performance was also introduced by Congressmen Dave Reichert and Dan Newhouse. Guests for the performance included over thirty members of Congress, VH1, and a Kennedy Center representative. Mariachi is a nationally honored program with a long list of accolades. According to Rivera, 100% of Mariachi students graduate high school, and 97% go on to college. Mariachi Huenachi was the KCTS 9 Golden Apple Award Winner for 2012 and Ramon Rivera was the 2014 Washington State Jefferson Award winner. Karina Pahua said the experience was a combination of surreal and unique. “To see buildings and politicians that you see on TV, people you don’t think you’ll ever meet—it was something I’ll never forget.” Rivera and the students raised $28,000 so that all the high school Mariachi members could go. “We want to thank the community for giving us this gift of traveling, and giving these kids a once in a lifetime experience,” said Rivera. “I think it opened their eyes to a whole different world. I’m even prouder to be an American after this trip. To represent the Wenatchee Valley and our Hispanic community nation wide, to be chosen and get this invitation, is an honor.”

For their Capitol performance, the group was introduced by several people, including Sarah Trahern, the CEO of the

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan takes a selfie with Mariachi Huenachi

Diana Haglund, Wenatchee Learns coordinator was recently tapped by The National Mentoring Partnerships (MENTOR) to speak at a congressional briefing in Washington DC to speak about partnerships with businesses who offer mentorship programs. The goal of the briefing is to elevate the role of the private sector in youth mentoring programs across the country. The briefing

will be held November 2nd. Due to scheduling conflicts, CTE Director Dennis Conger will be speaking on Diana’s behalf. He will talk about Confluence Health's Mentor program as an exemplary example of a business-led mentor program and the connection these partnerships have to our strategic plan and the impact on youth.

Teacher and outdoor enthusiast Kim Anderson is published in the October 2017 issue of The Good Life. The article, titled “Crazy ’mericans do the West Coast Trail,” is a travelogue of adventure hiking the West Coast Trail—a 50 mile trail that travels the length of Vancouver Island on sand beaches, limestone flats, over rivers and streams, up-and-down cliffs, through knee-deep mud bogs, across 70 plus bridges, over 40 ladder sections, cable car crossings, and ferry crossings. Kim Anderson teaches local high school students Computer Technology and Video Game Programming at the Wenatchee Valley Technical Skills Center. The Good Life said: He tries to help his students discover the amazing land we live and play in instead of being strapped to cell phones and social media. His mantra is: “I live what you watch!”



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November 2017

District Graduation Rates Increase, Opportunity Gap Closing for Post-Secondary Education Enrollment We talk a lot about our Wenatchee Learns Initiatives and Objectives, created with the community, because they set the goals we are trying to accomplish, and provide the performance measures we track to see how we’re doing. We want to share some important data on graduation rates and post-secondary enrollment rates.

Graduation Rates In 2013, Wenatchee School District set a goal to increase on time graduation rates to 90% by 2020. Our graduation rates include both Wenatchee High School and WestSide high schools. On time graduation rates in the district have increased by 12.7% over the last four years, from 64.8% in 2014 to 77.5% in 2016. The state average is 81.5% . Wenatchee High School’s 4- year graduation rate is 85.5% and 5-year rate is 87.4%. Westside High Schools 4-year graduation rate is 37.5% and 5-year rate is 59.6%. The graduation rates for our minority and low income students and the rate of increase over the last three years are as follows: Low Income: 71.7% (17% increase over three years) Migrant: 73% (11.3% increase over three years) Hispanic/Latino: 72.4% (12.8% increase over three years)

WENATCHEE LEARNS

Strategy Four: Balance change for all with excellence for all Objective 4.3: College and career readiness for all

77.5 64.8

Post-Secondary Enrollment Rates This is probably our most significant achievement in meeting the Wenatchee Learns goal, created with our community, to graduate students with the future ready skills they need for college, career, and life. We are closing the opportunity and enrollment gap for post-secondary education. Students going on to college, trade schools or other training after graduating from high school is on the rise, including students classified as low income, homeless, migrant or in the Learning Assistant program. Our post secondary enrollment rates over the past three years surpass the state averages in the following student demographic areas:

Student Demographic



2016 Graduates attending Post Secondary

2016 /State Avg

Female 70.7% 64.5% Male 57% 56.3% Homeless 70.6% 34.3% LAP* 53.8% 35% Low Income 60.1% 47.9% Migrant 69.8% 46.1% SPED* 36.2% 26.2% *LAP Learning Assistance Program *SPED Special Education

Post Secondary by Race Hispanic/Latino 63.5% 50.1% White 63.3% 60.5% All 64.2% 59.9% Statistics Source: OSPI 2016 Performance Indicators

Community involvement has been a foundational element in fulfilling our Wenatchee Learns vision to provide a personalized pathway and making sure that every student graduates with the future-ready skills that they need for college, career and life. We’re dedicated to preparing all students to graduate prepared for life, and we couldn’t do it without you. Thank you.



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November 2017

District Data Dashboard In an effort to measure progress with our strategic goals and objectives, we have created a District Data Dashboard. The Dashboard shares the measures we use to meet our commitment to provide our students with the future-ready skills they need for college, career, and life. The dashboard outlines the four major strategies (key performance indicators) and includes over 75 performance measures (formative indicators) that we track internally for our schools and operational division departments. “We have four major strategies in our Wenatchee Learns vision, and under each strategy we have four specific goals we’re trying to accomplish,” says Superintendent Brian Flones. “We have action plans to accomplish those objectives. We have measures we use internally to see how we’re making progress.” The key performance indicators we’re sharing through the dashboard include:

Strategy One: Design the Personalized Learning System for the Future:

The data dashboard is a work-in-progress with our school board and community. We ask our community, parents, staff, and students to provide us with feedback on the key performance indicators to make sure they’re the right measures to move us forward in meeting our district vision of personalized learning and preparing students with the skills they need for college, career, and life. “The ultimate goal is we’re working to improve student achievement,” says Superintendent Flones. “To have our students graduate with future-ready skills that allows them to be successful in life and be good contributing citizens.” The District Data Dashboard can be found at the Wenatchee School District website: www.wenatcheeschools.org Find the Quicklink under the Parents tab, or go to: About Us / Strategic Plan / Dashboard

1. Number of K-8 students participating in career exploration activities. 2. Number of students with a completed high school and beyond plan. 3. Average daily attendance 4. Average attendance per student- absent, excused, unexcused

Number of students participating in job shadows and/or internships

Number of registered business partners

5. Percentage of students participating in district STEAM activities

Strategy Two: Tapping the Power of the Whole Community 1. Number of students participating in job shadows and/or internships 2. Number of hours served by volunteers 3. Number of registered business partnerships 4. Number of college mentor volunteers

Strategy Three: Providing the Right Tools and Resources 1. Number of students with 1:1 Devices 2. Percentage of Core Classrooms with future ready classroom technology 3. Percent of curriculum currently aligned with local, state, and federal standards

Number of hours served by volunteers

Strategy Four: Excellence for All with Change for All 1. Number of professional development clock hours earned through Wenatchee Schools 2. Maintain minimum 5% fund balance 3. Percentage of students at standard on 3rd grade ELA/SBA 4. Percentage of students enrolled in postsecondary education 5. Cohort 4-year graduation rate 6. Percentage of 9th graders with no F’s 7. Percentage of students with C or better in Algebra (college ready)

WENATCHEE LEARNS

Learning Skills to Navigate Change

Strategy One: Design the personalized learning of the future Objective 1.1: Flexible personalized learning system that accommodates personalized learning

Sunnyslope fifth graders learned skills and tools to help them navigate change during a retreat at Rotary park in September. Activities throughout the day used problem-solving skills, communication and teamwork to challenge the students physically, mentally and emotionally. Sunnyslope counselor Gioconda Jackson organized the experiential learning experience, bringing in Seth Wendzel of Washington State University Chelan County Extension to help students learn skills to help the transition into middle school, and later, into high school, through fun, hands-on activities. The program is part of the 4H Challenge Curriculum, shown to help participants improve in life skills including self-confidence, responsibility, and problem solving skills. In one exercise kids worked in teams to navigate a minefield of obstacles, which represented obstacles they might encounter when changing schools. One student was blindfolded and set on the beginning of the obstacle course. Team members talked the blindfolded students through the course, helping them to avoid the obstacles. The objective, said Wendzel, was to use teamwork to guide each other through challenging landscapes, such as middle school or high school.

“It was a lot of teamwork,” said Abby, a student in Amy Lammert’s class. “You had to communicate a lot. There were a lot of obstacles.”

“The experiential learning model encourages the transference of learned skills and values to the participant’s everyday life,” said Wendzel.



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November 2017

Taste of Washington Day Kids enjoyed fruits, vegetables and meats from local farmers and ranchers at each school on Taste of Washington Day, October 4th. Sue Gaspar of Yaksum Canyon Truck Farm, shared fresh cherry tomatoes for students at Orchard Middle School. Gaspar, a former teacher says, "I just love the idea of educating kids about where their food comes from—to give them the feel that there is local food around.” She also provided the basil included on the pizza served at lunch. The fruit for Orchard’s lunch was provided by McManus Family Fruit and Smithson Ranch in Peshastin. The meat in the meatball soup came from Gebber's Ranch, and other vegetables came from Magana Farms. "Wenatchee, the entire district, is doing a great job of sourcing locally," says Gasbar. "It’s good for the farmers, it’s good for the kids, it’s fresh and nutritious, it tastes better than something that was picked a month ago."

Wenatchee Fifth Graders try Hands-On Sculpting with Kevin Pettelle Northwest bronze sculptor Kevin Pettelle devotes a week each autumn to work with Wenatchee fifth graders as part of the Beauty of Bronze program. Kevin is the 2012 Artist of the Year for the Schack Arts Center, Everett, and is well known for his bronze statues, particularly of J.P. Patches on display in Seattle, and Guppo the Clown, in honor of longtime Youth Circus director Paul Pugh, on display in Wenatchee. Five of Kevin’s sculptures are on display locally. Kevin has worked with more than 6,000 students in Wenatchee over fourteen years—600 this year alone— in the Beauty of Bronze program. Kids learn the elements of the art and explore specific sculptures in the Performing Arts Center and in Riverfront Park. They work collaboratively to create temporary environment sculpture from natural materials in the Andy Goldsworthy Challenge. The final activity of the day has students creating their own sculptures out of wax, which will be sent to a foundry and cast in bronze, and returned to students to keep. Beauty of Bronze coordinator, Rozanne Lind, says the children’s sculptures will be featured at an artists’ reception held in their honor at the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center the first Friday in December. “I find it to be very inspiring,” Kevin says when asked why he devotes his time to working with our Wenatchee fifth graders. “ My life is usually in solitude. I love working with children. I love the way that their mind works. When I'm looking at them at the end of the day, I'm just blown away at how brilliant they are.”

Students get a hands-on experience with Kevin Pettelle’s sculpture "Ped.” Kevin says Ped is a family portrait. He modeled the foot after his then 15-year-old son's foot, the toenails are his wife’s, the veins are his, and the toes were modeled after his then 8-month-old son.

WENATCHEE LEARNS

Strategy One: Design the personalized learning of the future Objective 1.1: Flexible personalized learning Wenatchee Learns Strategy 2: Tapping the power of our whole community Objective 2.2: Citizen-student mentoring



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Dave Perkins and the Sunnyslope staff are amazing. Dave supports the staff and loves the students. He has high expectations for staff and students. He comes alongside us and helps us achieve those expectations. He inspires us to be better. The staff works collaboratively to achieve all our goals. In the classroom the teaching is the highest quality, ensuring success for all students. The staff at Sunnyslope have been such a blessing to me. I love working here. Julie Anspach, 1st Grade Teacher Sunnyslope Elementary School

November 2017

Lindee Akers, Executive Secretary to Superintendent Brian Flones, is a one-of-a-kind hard worker, a full-on team player, and is always more than willing to go the extra mile on anything that’s needed. Lindee works tirelessly on the countless tasks from Brian, Cabinet, and the WSD Board. Projects never end for her and she addresses them always with a smile and kind word. Lindee deserves a HUGE “Shout Out” for all her hard work and commitment to Wenatchee School District!! We appreciate you Lindee! Barb Larkin, Administrative Secretary District Office

I would like to do a shout out to Jill Svilar, Math Teacher at Westside High School. Jill is always easy to reach when I need support. She makes herself available when it's convenient for others. She creates a welcoming environment for students and makes everyone feel like family. Andrea Danahey-Feil, CAP Teacher Westside High School, Wenatchee Valley Technical Skills Center I would like to throw a shout out to Galen Guthrie for the amazing work she has done holding our ELL Program together with a tumultuous start to this school year. She has effectively collaborated with two different Guest Teachers to keep the program moving forward and our student learning. Kudos to her!

Sandy Ward, secretary at WestSide. Sandy is also known as "Sweet Sandy" because she is so... well... sweet! She loves our students, staff, and parents. She greets everyone by name with a smile, and is someone everyone adores and trusts. Having Sandy as "the face" of WestSide sets the tone for a positive school, and we are so thankful for her pleasant, knowledgeable, hard working ways! Kari DeMarco, English Teacher WestSide High School

Kory Kalahar, Principal WestSide high School I want to recognize Chef Betty Palmer at the Wenatchee Valley Tech Center. Betty is just tireless and spends an incredible amount of time, way beyond her teaching hours, in planning, prep, and just flatout dedication to her students and the culinary program. She has a number of former students currently working in the culinary industry and many who probably would not have graduated from high school were it not for Betty’s personal investment in the lives of these kids. Betty is a great colleague and raises the standard of excellence for me to aim toward in my own program. Thanks, Betty. Terry Fike, Construction Trades Instructor Wenatchee Valley Technical Skills Center Cindy Murie, Wenatchee High School, Assessment Specialist, needs a huge shout out. She coordinates everything we need to enable us to better serve all our students. She does so efficiently and with a smile. That might be a tired smile at the end of any given testing period, but still Cindy offers us information at the drop of an email. She never scolds if something is lost or misplaced and needs another copy sent ASAP. Cindy works in the academic background, quietly making sure of our Panthers' success.

Alicen Gaytley gets the Most Valuable Award to start the school year. Alicen has been involved in some fashion in every aspect of Mission View that is moving in the right direction. Because of her spunk, knowledge, charisma and determination Mission View and the Wenatchee School district is a better place because of her presence in the building and the district. We sure do appreciate you Alicen...for everything you have had a hand in. Jeff Jaeger, Principal Mission View Elementary

We could not do what we do nearly so well without her.You go, girl! Danielle Ouellette, Special Education Teacher Wenatchee High School I would like to recognize FMS science teacher Todd Jensen for applying for a grant and getting bikes for our Foothills MS Physical Education Program. I also want to recognize my team member Kyle Hurst for developing a PE bike safety curriculum so all students in PE will be able to ride a bike. Tracey Reese, PE Teacher Foothills Middle School A HUGE shout out to our WestSide Early Learning Center, our custodians Jim Harris and Michael Sauceda, and the entire M and O department for amazing team work in getting our Early Learning Center in place, moved, and up to state standards prior to opening day. I am pleased to say that we are officially state licensed, nationally accredited, and have many open spots for school district students and STAFF to use for childcare. Kory Kalahar, Principal WestSide High School Huge shout outs out to Columbia's new Intervention Specialist team members, Megan McCarl and Ryan Weaver. Both of you have brought your own amazing gifts and insights, ensuring that our team's tradition of being strong yet adaptable continues. Thank you for your professionalism, teamwork, camaraderie, and sense of humor - all of which are essential to our team's continued success. Welcome to the A-Team! Lorenda Tangen, K-5 Intervention Specialist Wenatchee School District The Learning and Teaching department would like to give a big shout out THANK YOU to all of the staff who have made Ben’s Place and crisp and professional meeting space: Chester Ferrell, Tina Herron, Maintenance Crew, Cyndy Valdez, Sarah Hanchey, Bill Eagle and our amazing custodian, Ben! All of your contributions whether it was painting, installing, or cleaning, you are all appreciated! Learning and Teaching Staff

I would like to thank Jake St. John, English Teacher at WHS, for keeping me on my toes. Jake brings an enthusiasm to his classroom that excites his students and encourages them to achieve more than they thought they could. Plus, this helps motivate me to push myself to be a better teacher, especially when I see the excellence produced by Jake's students. It reminds me that I can always do more, and Jake's efforts exemplify what I want to accomplish. If you are lucky enough to have your children in Jake St. John's classes, your kids will see his passion for literature and his abilities to improve the students' skills. I'm lucky to witness this each time we collaborate. Thank you, Jake! Chris Cloke, English Teacher, National Board Certified Teacher Wenatchee High School Shout out to Jim Beeson, Athletic Director. Jim handles issues quickly. He is efficient and gets things done. Scott Devereaux, PE Teacher and Coach Wenatchee High School Kim Branstrom is a rock star para educator. She has a very unique set of skills that allow her to work with a high level of success with some of our most behaviorally challenging students. Washington Elementary School is privileged to have such an amazing talent working alongside us. Keith Collins, Principal Washington Elementary School



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Parent/Teacher Conferences Schedule is Three Full Days This year’s calendar includes three full days of parent/teacher conferences for the 2017/2018 school year. Conferences will be held November 1-3, 2017. There will be no school for students on those three days. In the past conferences have taken place during five half days of school. Three full days of conferences adds morning conference times, which were not previously available. Day and evening conferences will still be available, and teachers would be able to spend more time with parents, if needed.

November 2017

OTHER TEACHER TRAINING DAYS (NO SCHOOL): „„ December 1, 2017: Teacher Training, No School for students „„ January 26, 2018: Teacher Training, No School for students HOLIDAYS (NO SCHOOL): „„ November 10: Veterans Day „„ November 23-24: Thanksgiving (early release on Wednesday November 22) „„ December 18 - January 2: Winter Break „„ January 15: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day „„ February 19: Presidents Day

Superintendent MESSAGE

The fall season is an exciting time with the start of a new school year, the changing colors of the season, and our annual fall newsletter, that offers an opportunity to share with you important information about the school district. In this edition of Inside Wenatchee Schools we are excited to highlight some encouraging data on the increases in our graduation rates and post-secondary education enrollment rates; students engaged in hands-on project based learning opportunities from Vex Robotics, Beauty of Bronze, to Mock Trial real-world learning experiences; and our district data dashboard that outlines the key performance indicators of our Wenatchee Learns Vision. The dashboard is intended to be a transparent tool for all of us to use in shaping the future of learning in our community. In October, our school board followed up on a recommendation from our citizens facilities committee and passed a resolution to run a capital improvement bond measure in April of 2018. The bond is focused on addressing an overcrowded and aging (45-yearold) Wenatchee High School. We have provided some preliminary information regarding the bond in this issue and we will follow up with more in depth coverage early in 2018. Thank you for your continued support of our students, staff and schools. Your involvement in our Wenatchee Learns vision is critical to our purpose of preparing all students with the future ready skills they need for college, career, and life. Brian Flones

[email protected], Lisa Turner, Executive Director of Human Resources (for staff)turner.l@ wenatcheeschools.org

Superintendent

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Wenatchee Public Schools P.O. Box 1767 Wenatchee, WA 98807-1767 Phone: 509.663.8161 Fax: 509.663.3082 www.wenatcheeschools.org Brian Flones

Inside Wenatchee Schools is a newspaper published quarterly by the Wenatchee School District Communications Office, Teri Fink Editor (509) 663-8161. The Wenatchee School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Title IX Coordinator, Section 504/ADA Coordinator Mark Helm, Executive Director of Student Services [email protected]; Civil Rights Compliance Coordinators Mark Helm, Executive Director of Student Services (for students)

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